The U.S. market will soon see one of its first curved smartphones. The South Korean company that released the latest in what some see as a new trend in the market, says U.S. availability is only a matter of time.
LG’s G Flex phone, released in South Korea recently, follows Samsung’s Galaxy Round introduced in October. Unlike the Round, which features a screen curved along its access, the 6-inch G Flex screen curves from top to bottom.
The company says smartphones are only the beginning of what is seen as a huge market for flexible displays. In a release from the company, executive vice president and chief technology officer Dr. Sang Deog Yeo explained:
“The flexible display market is expected to grow quickly as this technology is expected to expand further into diverse applications including automotive displays, tablets and wearable devices. Our goal is to take an early lead in the flexible display market by introducing new products with enhanced performance and differentiated designs next year.”
Several Curved Phones in the Works
The G Flex’s resolution is rather unimpressive at 720 p, reports The Verge. But the phone’s flexible screen would seem to make it more durable than most. CNET says the back of the phone is made of a “self-healing” material that will make scratches to its case fade over time.
Though LG had supposedly initially announced no plans for release outside Korea, website G for Games now reports that the company does have plans for international marketing including the U.S. The site bases its report on Korean media sources. There is no word on time table or pricing.
Sources are now reporting that Apple may be planning two curved iPhones for sometime next year as well.
In the end, more flexible technology will benefit entrepreneurs and small business owners on the move who put their mobile devices through considerable punishment at times.
But price and features will ultimately determine whether small business professionals will want to jump on this bandwagon.
Flexible Phone Photo via Shutterstock
Anita Campbell
I guess curved has become the “new black” in smartphones. But I’m not getting it — what is the advantage with having a “curve”?
Anita,
IMO, it’s easier to check the time, what’s going on in your FB account, etc…. you can also easier to put your smartphone on uneven surface… I think it’s best for people who like to quickly glance for a second or two on their device…
… or perhaps to impress your gadget-loving future clients? 🙂
Innovation is marketable along with convenience but, I was so sure holographic displays were the next big thing. Also there are plenty advantages to having curves :). Curves are sexy and that will always (here’s hoping) be a received well.